Sick
Sick VL18-3F3940 Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor PNP electrician tool
Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor with PNP output, 10–30 V DC supply, M12 connector and IP67 enclosure
- Retro-reflective sensing up to 3.7 m range
- PNP light-switching output with 100 mA capacity
- IP67 enclosure resists dust and water ingress
- M12 4-pin connector for quick installation
- Visible red LED with 270° potentiometer adjustment
Sick VL18-3F3940 retro-reflective sensor
The Sick VL18-3F3940 is a cylindrical photoelectric sensor with an M18 x 1 thread and a 75 mm housing length. It uses visible red LED light to detect objects across a sensing range of 0.05 m to 3.7 m. The unit provides a PNP switching output with light switching mode and a 100 mA output current. It is supplied new and rated IP67 for harsh environments.
M12 connector and 10–30 V DC supply
Connection is made via a 4-pin male M12 connector that fits standard industrial cordsets. The sensor operates from a 10 V DC to 30 V DC supply with a ripple tolerance of ten percent and draws 30 mA. A 270° potentiometer allows sensitivity adjustment without extra tools. The radial optical axis and 2.8° dispersion angle suit side-mount installations on conveyors or packaging lines.
Suits automation engineers needing compact
This sensor suits engineers who need a compact, polarised retro-reflective device with a fast 2 ms response time and 250 Hz switching frequency. It is not for applications requiring background suppression or through-beam ranges beyond 3.7 m. Buyers who need an NPN output or a different connector format should look at other models.
Highlights
- Retro-reflective sensing up to 3.7 m range
- PNP light-switching output with 100 mA capacity
- IP67 enclosure resists dust and water ingress
- M12 4-pin connector for quick installation
- Visible red LED with 270° potentiometer adjustment
Specifications
| Brand | Sick |
|---|---|
| Model | SICK VL18-3F3940 |
Questions about this item
How far can the sensor reliably detect a reflector under typical conditions?
The sensing range is 0.05 m to 3 m, with a maximum reach of 3.7 m. The light spot grows to about 150 mm at 3 m distance.
What is the power draw and thermal behaviour during continuous operation?
It consumes 30 mA from a 10–30 V DC supply. The enclosure is rated IP67 and operates from –25 °C to +70 °C without active cooling.
Which connector and voltage supply must already be in place for installation?
A 4-pin M12 male connector and a 10–30 V DC source with less than 10 % ripple are required. The output is PNP light-switching, 100 mA max.
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